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Savannah doctor in U.S. House race

Johnson is fifth Republican seeking nomination

Staff report

POSTED:June 12, 2013 9:30 a.m.

Photo provided/

Dr. Bob Johnson of Isle of Hope, third from left, greets voters Saturday in Brunswick during his tour of the First Congressional District. Johnson announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday.

SAVANNAH — Dr. Bob Johnson of Isle of Hope on Saturday announced his candidacy for Georgia’s First Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Emphasizing his personal story, professional background and conservative principles, Johnson made his announcement at the Chatham County Republican Party’s Monthly Membership Meeting. He also made stops in Brunswick and St. Marys on Saturday.“What I see in Washington, D.C., are politicians practicing politics as usual. We don’t need any more politicians in Washington. We need real conservative leaders who will do the right thing for Georgia,” Johnson said in his announcement speech. According to biographic information, Johnson served in the military from 1975-2001, first as a U.S. Army Ranger, then as a physician assistant and medical platoon leader, and finally as a doctor. During the last four years of his service, he was the chief of head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, as well as the chief of the special medical-response teams. He was responsible for the training, organizing and deploying of 70 medical personnel for response to natural disasters and acts of terrorism throughout the Pacific Basin.After retiring from the Army, Johnson started Southeast ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery in Savannah. He currently practices with SouthCoast Medical Group in Savannah.Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1982 and doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia in 1990. He and his wife, Dr. Stacie Wong, have three children and one grandchild.Johnson is the fifth Republican to put his name in for the seat. State Sen. Earl “Buddy” Carter of Pooler announced his candidacy in May and, according to gpb.org, former state House candidate Darwin Carter of Alma and former Kingston staff member David Schwarz are running. OnlineAthens.com reported on Tuesday that state Rep. Jeff Chapman of Brunswick has entered the race as well.